---
title: "Administrative Hurdles Stall Joao Cancelo Transfer to Barcelona from Al-Hilal"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/barcelona-delay-joao-cancelo-transfer-al-hilal-tax-hurdles-7xdux
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
published: 2026-08-08T13:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-08-08T15:32:21.053Z
language: en-IN
---

# Administrative Hurdles Stall Joao Cancelo Transfer to Barcelona from Al-Hilal

Bureaucratic complications regarding tax liabilities have delayed the Portuguese full-back's anticipated return to the Catalan giants. Joao Cancelo has resumed training in Riyadh while negotiations proceed toward a final agreement.

## Key takeaways

- Joao Cancelo has resumed training with Al-Hilal in Riyadh pending his transfer to Barcelona.
- Tax-related bureaucratic obstacles are the primary cause for the delay in the official signing.
- The proposed deal is valued between 8 and 10 million euros with a contract running until 2028.

## Fiscal Barriers Delay Deal Completion

Despite mutual interest in a permanent move, Barcelona has yet to finalize the transfer of Joao Cancelo from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old Portuguese international reported back to the Al-Majidiya Sports Centre in Riyadh on Friday following his post-World Cup hiatus. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the current impasse stems from technical bureaucratic obstacles, specifically unresolved tax issues, rather than a breakdown in sporting negotiations.

## Contractual Terms and Flick's Endorsement

German coach Hansi Flick has signaled his approval for the move after Cancelo's successful loan stint at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys during the latter half of the previous season. The proposed deal will reportedly bind the defender to Barcelona until 2028, covering the next two seasons. Financial estimates place the transfer fee between 8 million and 10 million euros.

## Key Facts

- Cancelo returned to Al-Hilal training after missing the club's pre-season camp in Austria.
- The player originally moved to the Saudi capital from Manchester City in the summer of 2024.
- Barcelona aims to secure the full-back on a multi-year contract expiring in 2028.
- Administrative tax formalities currently prevent the official announcement of the signing.
- Cancelo lost his domestic squad registration at Al-Hilal during his second campaign with the club.

## Background

The defender's tenure in Saudi Arabia shifted significantly after a strong debut season. Following his exclusion from Al-Hilal's domestic squad list, he sought a return to European football. His performance during his recent loan spell convinced the Barcelona hierarchy to pursue a permanent arrangement, though he remains with 'the Boss' in Riyadh until the paperwork is cleared.

Source: Goal.com

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/barcelona-delay-joao-cancelo-transfer-al-hilal-tax-hurdles-7xdux
Reported from: Goal.com